From an Artist into an Art Researcher

In Finland, art research has strengthened due to scientific education in the field of art, and yet, the combination of art and science still arouses doubts. The purpose of this article is to analyze the nature of this juxtaposition and discuss art students ’ ability to scientific work. Artistic talent is considered an extra gift that can enhance and contribute to scientific research, and new research paradigms are seen to provide new opportunities of conducting art research. However, certain prejudices challenge art students ’ scientific work that have to be discussed in order to develop academic art education and research. Supervisors of research have a salient role: they need profound research skills but also understanding of art, not to mention their ability to supervise students ’ research in an emphatic manner. Finally, the importance of cooperation between the representatives of art and academic world is pointed out as a means of enhancing art research